To my Family and Friends,

It’s official! I am running the 2008 Chicago Marathon. This new challenge has me both excited and apprehensive. Taking into consideration that a challenge must posses a certain degree of difficulty; my apprehension is well founded.

Training itself has been a challenge. Besides endurance, it takes up a lot of time, something we could all use more of. It doesn’t help that training has been hindered with minor set-backs, (i.e. inclimate weather, a bum knee, partying too much...wait, that one is all on me, etc.) but I remedy that my lacing up and telling myself...RACE ON!

On the other hand, training has been medicinal for my body and soul. There is nothing like a morning jog to get the day started or pounding the pavement after a tough day at work. Running is my new escape. I have a lot of training left to do, but every mile gets me that much closer to accomplishing this goal.

There are other reasons why I am running the Marathon besides it being on my "Bucket List." The following reason is the most communal: as a New Year's resolution I promised to volunteer my time and energy to a good cause. Inspiration Corporation, a non-for-profit organization, allows me to do just that. Their grassroots mission is to help people affected by homelessness and poverty become self reliant.

This is your opportunity to give and positively affect the lives of many people in the Chicago, which I am proud to call home. Besides, not only will you be giving to a great cause... you would be rooting me on!

Check them out at: http://inspirationcorp.org/

Need more reasons? Here’s another one: with a few embellishments, it will be a great story to tell my grandkids someday.

Alright, Queue the Rocky music...I carry all of you in my heart and all of you will be with me in spirit when I cross the finish line.

With much love,

Hugo